OK, so what can I say about this that I have not said about the previous instalments? Not much, I'm afraid. And that's not a good thing.

Pacing is still good (though action scenes are becoming more and more confusing), world building good, plot ok (while I do have some beef with the whole Gabe and Eddie dying sideline as it seemed completely unnecessary and irrelevant, the overall story arch developed nicely here) but it falls flat on its face in the execution. Japh is still an abusive control fOK, so what can I say about this that I have not said about the previous instalments? Not much, I'm afraid. And that's not a good thing.

Pacing is still good (though action scenes are becoming more and more confusing), world building good, plot ok (while I do have some beef with the whole Gabe and Eddie dying sideline as it seemed completely unnecessary and irrelevant, the overall story arch developed nicely here) but it falls flat on its face in the execution. Japh is still an abusive control freak. Dante is still a whining imbecile. And the repetition. Oh holyjesusmarymotherofgod, the constant repetition.

I have actually done a count for this one so, Ms Saintcrow's editor, please take note:

• in fifth place we have the emerald on Dante's cheek which is mentioned 7 times, with emeralds altogether (there are 3 necromances plus Lucifer and Eve all with emeralds on their faces) being mentioned 18 times;

• in fourth place we have a tie between Dante's molecule-drip nail polish and black-diamond flames of a demon's aura with a respectable 8 mentions each;

• in second place, things glowing green are mentioned 36 times, mainly Japhrimel's eyes which have turned from radioactive green to laser green.

In case you need an illustration, here's one of the first results that Google image search comes up with for "glowing green eyes".

• And finally, in first place, mentioned a mind boggling 76 times, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the mark. It pulses, it twists, it burns, it flares, it heats, crunches and flushes. 76 times. All I can say is if you are using this book for a drinking game, do not go with the word mark unless you want to end up at the hospital with a serious case of alcohol poisoning....more

What is up with the cheesy lines? If it weren’t for Working for the Devil I wouldn’t even bother with a book that had that rubbish on the cover. I feel forced to read this. I know I have one book left till I’m done with this series and I’m extremely happy about it.

Saint City Sinners is all about crying, shrugging, almost bruises, manhandling, unspoken feelings and annoying monologues. Maybe the cover should look more like this:

What else is happenin*spoilers ahead

Hell has nothing on Saint City

What is up with the cheesy lines? If it weren’t for Working for the Devil I wouldn’t even bother with a book that had that rubbish on the cover. I feel forced to read this. I know I have one book left till I’m done with this series and I’m extremely happy about it.

Saint City Sinners is all about crying, shrugging, almost bruises, manhandling, unspoken feelings and annoying monologues. Maybe the cover should look more like this:

What else is happening in Saint City Sinners? Japh is still an insensitive dick.

Yeah yeah, I know, he’s a demon and he doesn’t understand how humans work, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s behaving like a dick, and the fact that I very much hate him.

As for Dante..

:fart sound:

She’s such a bore with all her tantrums and bullshit. She bores me. This book bores me. This series bores me.

Oh, and about the heart-breaking deaths, I feel like I’m supposed to feel sad for Eddie dying. I’m supposed to be even sadder for Gabe dying. But I’m not. I feel like Saintcrow is trying too hard to make this book sad. Hell, she’s been trying to make all this series sad. Trying too hard. And it’s obvious. And it doesn’t work with me. So I’m just left scratching my head and wondering how the hell I’m going to conjure the patience to finish this book. Or all her other books. Minus Working for the Devil, of course. Working for the Devil was awesome.

In the end I don’t like any character anymore. I don’t like the events that are taking place. Thinking about it, I don’t like anything related to the Dante Valentine series anymore. Just be done already!!

I greatly enjoyed this series when it started, but the third starting kindling a fire in me against the protagonist. This one simply transformed it into all consuming RAGE.

For, you see, I hate Dante Valentine. She is ridiculously irritating. She's always a jumbled mess - never trusting Japh when he's there but angry if she wakes up and he's gone. She knows about all there is to know about what she is, but keeps running around moaning she doesn’t know enough. She doesn’t trust anyone. S2.5 stars

I greatly enjoyed this series when it started, but the third starting kindling a fire in me against the protagonist. This one simply transformed it into all consuming RAGE.

For, you see, I hate Dante Valentine. She is ridiculously irritating. She's always a jumbled mess - never trusting Japh when he's there but angry if she wakes up and he's gone. She knows about all there is to know about what she is, but keeps running around moaning she doesn’t know enough. She doesn’t trust anyone. She kills with ease, even people who are nice to her. She has little emotion and is incredibly selfish.

I like the stories but I always found the connection she felt with Eve the Androgyne and the story with all that dumb. In this book it interfered even more – SIGH. Dante’s stupidity and dreadful attitude made my rage ignite several times, while other times at least it was a slow simmer so I could enjoy it overall.

There’s not as much action anymore as Dante obsesses and then re-obsesses about her relationship drama and trust issues. Egads.

Also, another dark streak from the author as two friends are killed off for a point not easily digested. I just don’t understand Dante’s instant attraction to these children she’s never met either. Sure, as babies and children we should care about them, but she’s so fast to throw anyone out of her life for the “love” she has for a child she thinks is her (so annoying) and this new child she hasn’t even seen yet and just learned about.

For pros, I loved the Selene stuff, that’s an interesting twist. The author has woven a complex world for the demons but, to me, could have explored necromancy more (her version, not Anita Blakes). She also doesn’t have other supernatural creatures besides psychics and witch type abilities.

The author also ended on an annoying cliffhanger like a tv show, which I find cheating in the way it's done. To me this book was an annoying continuation of the last books’ distrust from Dante, and she even gets worse here....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.First I say that I reserve to change my rating after I finish the next book. I feel like if a book ends with too be continued that it should be viewed as only part of the whole.

This 4th book in the Dante Valentine Series is an almost constant stream of contradictions. It starts almost immediately after the last book and continues that pattern of repetitious and irrational thoughts by our heroine.

****I apologize, but I don't feel like I can complete the review of this book without spoilers. YouFirst I say that I reserve to change my rating after I finish the next book. I feel like if a book ends with too be continued that it should be viewed as only part of the whole.

This 4th book in the Dante Valentine Series is an almost constant stream of contradictions. It starts almost immediately after the last book and continues that pattern of repetitious and irrational thoughts by our heroine.

****I apologize, but I don't feel like I can complete the review of this book without spoilers. You have been warned, read at your own risk.***

This book starts by repeating the last few pages of the previous book, verbatim. We find Dante still questioning Japh, and trying to justify all the reasons she can't trust him, while she has done and continues to do many of the things she dislikes about him. Actually as this book continues and she holds back secrets and threatens people it becomes almost laughable that she continues to find fault in Japh's actions.

She once again proves at least to me that the ghost of Jace is still alive and well and coming between her and Japh. She also proves to exhibit piss poor judgment in terms of whom she trusts and why. She seems to be putting a stupid amount of faith in Eve, because she reminds her of Doreen. (Another ghost who continues to haunt her relationship and cloud her judgment.) However she seems to forget that despite the fact that this girl looks like Eve she is also the daughter of the devil. But she believes her lies, even after watching Eve with Japh through Japh's eyes, she still manages to make him out to be the bad guy in the wrong. She also believes that Eve is partially her daughter as well. Something she hasn't told Japh, and example of her holding things back.

Of course in the next heartbeat she keeps thinking she is just needs his help, wants his comfort, wants his opinion. Then she can't wait to break up with him. The she misses him. Then she is cursing his name and whining about how he betrayed her. You get the idea, it's like being in the head of a crazy person.

She also seems to be unable to read subtle cues when it comes to him. Actually he's like a blind spot. Or maybe just like someone that brings out the most paranoid mistrustful side of her. She continues to hold on to all her past relationships. She also continues to get upset because he isn't acting human. Of course, he's not human, he's a demon, and she's always known that. She also happens to be part demon, yet she continues to repeat the phrase that she is "still human where it counts." She's not. Honestly unless something major changes in the last book, I really want them not to end up together.

The plot of this book manages to kill off Gabe and Eddie, 2 characters we met in the beginning of the this series. We find out that they have gotten married and had a child without telling Dante. Their murders are unsatisfactory at best. More than not want to see characters you like killed off, they were so uneventful. It is almost like by killing all the humans in her life, the author is trying to either isolate her so she eventually has to trust Japh, or just so she has no more links to her human life that will effect the time line. Gabe reaches out to Dante after Eddie's murder so we were even cheated of one last scene with him. At this meeting Dante admits to lying about Japh's being alive only to find out her friend knew. Another example of how it's okay to lie to people as long as she's the one lying.

Also in a bizarre turn her god asks her to spare the life of the woman who orchestrated Gabe and Eddie's murders. That might not have been weird, but the way it was set up, a 2 big scenes in the last book, you were expecting it to be something much larger. This choice she would have to make. Something that involved people we cared about. This women, we didn't know her all we knew is that she killed characters we knew and liked. I'm hoping she plays some major part in the last book.

There's also some story about a key and whomever holds the key will be very important to the devil. I wonder who else has realized that Dante is this key. Because if I'm not mistaken, she is and Japh knows and is doing his best to protect her, despite the fact that she is fighting him at every turn.

Overall, I found myself angry to the pint of shaking at this book, and yelling at the stupidity of Dante. Honestly I probably would have stopped reading after the 3rd book, had I not purchased the entire series based on my liking of the first book. Now, I just have to finish so I can find out there is some satisfactory resolution to this story and hope that some of the useless things I have read become important....more

Japhrimel and Dante have gone to Cairo Giza after having defeated Lucifer with the help of Lucas Villalobos. During their stay Dante gets an urgent message by her friend Gabe she can´t ignore. Gabe´s husband Eddie has been murdered and Gabe wants Danny´s help to revenge his death. Japh isn´t happy in the least about it he knows about Danny´s promise to the Devil to hunt the escaped demons. But Danny isnt´t inclined to keep her promise and is determined to protect Eve at all costs even against JaJaphrimel and Dante have gone to Cairo Giza after having defeated Lucifer with the help of Lucas Villalobos. During their stay Dante gets an urgent message by her friend Gabe she can´t ignore. Gabe´s husband Eddie has been murdered and Gabe wants Danny´s help to revenge his death. Japh isn´t happy in the least about it he knows about Danny´s promise to the Devil to hunt the escaped demons. But Danny isnt´t inclined to keep her promise and is determined to protect Eve at all costs even against Japh...After having read the first 100 pages or so I alreday was very frustrated about Danny´s behaviour... sigh! See acts like a brat throughout the book, even knows it herself but that doesn´t stop her. Her relationship with Japh is strained to the breaking point, she complains most of the time not being the one in charge and only being pushed around, that everybody is lying to her (but she isn´t very truthful herself and does the same) and I really wasn´t sure anymore if I could finish reading this book. The only thing that kept me going on was my own curiosity how the story would unfold and if Danny could control her developing demon powers and her rage that came with her altered state. Japh´s task to keep her safe gets more and more difficult for him and his secrecy about his knowledge what´s going on isn´t doing any good to his and Danny´s relationship. Dante is obsessed with Eve to a degree I couldn´t follow her anymore she´s very single-minded in her stubbornness and the thought that maybe things aren´t always as they seem to be doesn´t even occur to her...

LauraThanks, Inara--I have heard from the Amazon PNR/Romance forums I am also at every day that this series starts a downhill spiral at the third novel ("TThanks, Inara--I have heard from the Amazon PNR/Romance forums I am also at every day that this series starts a downhill spiral at the third novel ("The Devil's Right Hand"), and just continues that path to the end, meaning Danny becomes the Brat from Hell and stays that way. I have also heard Japh remains totally yummy the entire time. Love that guy!

Thanks for the review. I trust your opinon, and it's good to hear what you think about a series I loved so much in the beginning.

Fourth in the Dante Valentine fantasy series, Saint City Sinners continues with the demon hunt to which Japh and Dante have agreed although it takes second place to the disaster which has struck Eddie and Gabe.

Flying back to Santiago City, Dante promises to find Eddie’s killer and protect their daughter if something should happen to Gabe. Between the hunt for Eddie’s killer, avoiding the hell-escaped demons and their hellhounds, and staying under Japh’s radar, Dante finds herself questioning herFourth in the Dante Valentine fantasy series, Saint City Sinners continues with the demon hunt to which Japh and Dante have agreed although it takes second place to the disaster which has struck Eddie and Gabe.

Flying back to Santiago City, Dante promises to find Eddie’s killer and protect their daughter if something should happen to Gabe. Between the hunt for Eddie’s killer, avoiding the hell-escaped demons and their hellhounds, and staying under Japh’s radar, Dante finds herself questioning her new perspective on humans and gains insight as to how she appears to Japh.

I’m hoping she profits by this insight as she’s driving me mad with her stopping in the middle of a disaster and demanding explanations. Jesus, even I know you get to a safe place first and then ask! Then there’s the fact that she has to have it confirmed from an outside source that “yes, Japhimeral will die if she dies”. Japh has been telling her this since book 2. Gee, I wonder what else that Japh has been telling her is true---that he loves her, that he is only happy when he knows she’s safe, that…gimme a break!...more

This book is just one gigantic exercise in annoyance and frustration. I had no idea I could get sooooooo annoyed with the main character and continue to read the series.

Dante Valentine is the most close minded, easily manipulated, dense, selfish, annoying character ever! Why does she trust Eve? Why does she distrust Japh? Why does she believe anything Eve says but disbelieves anything Japh says??? Oh Japh is a demon that's right, but lets all just conveniently forget the fact that Eve has beenThis book is just one gigantic exercise in annoyance and frustration. I had no idea I could get sooooooo annoyed with the main character and continue to read the series.

Dante Valentine is the most close minded, easily manipulated, dense, selfish, annoying character ever! Why does she trust Eve? Why does she distrust Japh? Why does she believe anything Eve says but disbelieves anything Japh says??? Oh Japh is a demon that's right, but lets all just conveniently forget the fact that Eve has been raised by the Devil the last few years. I'm sure she is still a total fucking angel you DENSE IDIOT DANTE. ARGH!!!!!!

Yes, Japh hides things, keeps information to himself, and asks for trust. Eve tells Dante all sorts of things yet Dante never questions to motives or even the facts themselves.

Whatever - live in your own world Danny. FINE.

Japh deserves better. And so do the readers.

Plus lets just talk about the fact that the few likeable characters beyond Japh is Eddie and Gabe and what happens to them??? THEY DIE. OFF SCREEN. What a fucking disservice to two awesome characters who got way to little screentime considering their loyalty to Dante and her issues. I totally liked them, and Dante claimed to love them but completely ignored them and dropped them from her life. So when she went crazy over their deaths I just couldn't really buy it.

All in all this series started out with the most awesome first book ever but has been steadily declining since then. I will finish the series, mostly because of Japh, but Dante is going on my list of most dumb main characters ever.

Oh my. The fourth volume of the Dante Valentine series, and it is as good as the second and third.

I won't talk as much about plotting (very good) and writing (great as well); what I wrote about the characterization of Dante in the reviews of volume two and three is still valid. She is sitting on the edge with her relationship with Japh, and when I try to explain my feelings about SCS, there seems to be a continual climax through the whole series, climaxing in a kind of cliffhanger-end of this vOh my. The fourth volume of the Dante Valentine series, and it is as good as the second and third.

I won't talk as much about plotting (very good) and writing (great as well); what I wrote about the characterization of Dante in the reviews of volume two and three is still valid. She is sitting on the edge with her relationship with Japh, and when I try to explain my feelings about SCS, there seems to be a continual climax through the whole series, climaxing in a kind of cliffhanger-end of this volume. And this is what I wanted to lose a word about:

I suppose you could read each volume as a standalone-novel - but I would strongly advise you not to do so but to read all the volumes in the right order - otherwise you would lose many of the cross-references and miss the foreshadowing LS weaves into the text every now and then, and you would miss the plot-arch that bridges over all the volumes that makes this series truely a pleasure to read. Only if you read all the volumes, you can follow the character-development and growth of Dante and her relationship with Japh and the overall plot that just doesn't fit into a massmarket-paperback. You know what? Those Kindle-folks somethimes pack Bundles out of several books of one author and sell them together as one book. That's what this series needs: In reality, it is not a series of five books that belong together but one book divided into five parts. I would advise you to get all five before you start reading - and I promise you, you're in for a treat!

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.I keep hoping this series will deliver on the promise of the first book but so far no luck.

I was pissed that Eddie and Gabe were killed off. I liked both characters, I think I may have even liked them more than Dante and Japh. Besides, killing them off isolated Dante even more so the only person she has extended contact with now is Japh and some of the hired help. Which, of course, gives him further control over her. And so many of their problems could be avoided if they'd just talk to each otheI keep hoping this series will deliver on the promise of the first book but so far no luck.

I was pissed that Eddie and Gabe were killed off. I liked both characters, I think I may have even liked them more than Dante and Japh. Besides, killing them off isolated Dante even more so the only person she has extended contact with now is Japh and some of the hired help. Which, of course, gives him further control over her. And so many of their problems could be avoided if they'd just talk to each other.

I must say I can't seem to be able to read this series anymore unless I don't have anything else to do. However, that could be just me and plotwise it's really quite original and certainly interesting.

To be honest there's 2 things I dislike about most of this series.

1. The relationship between 2 main characters is soo like 14382907 other fantasy romance books that it makes me sick. I'm not going to elaborate further. Read some vampire fantasy / romance stuff that has "handsome, powerful, manlyI must say I can't seem to be able to read this series anymore unless I don't have anything else to do. However, that could be just me and plotwise it's really quite original and certainly interesting.

To be honest there's 2 things I dislike about most of this series.

1. The relationship between 2 main characters is soo like 14382907 other fantasy romance books that it makes me sick. I'm not going to elaborate further. Read some vampire fantasy / romance stuff that has "handsome, powerful, manly looking vampire lord ( lol )" in it's description and you'll get what I mean ( ok it's not THAT bad, but close ).

2. The female lead who is pissing me off with her constant issues and blaming the demon guy for everything.

If you can live with these 2 things then otherwise it's a good book / series. The story is nice and not like so many others. Considering that I've browsed through the final volume I can say that it's all nicely concluded and the whole series fits perfectly into 5 volumes.

What can I say? Don't be too interested in the 2 main characters and you'll have a rather enjoyable book to read. ...more

This is the fourth book in the Dante Valentine series by Lilith Saintcrow. I think it was back on par with the first book of the series, I really enjoyed it.

Japh and Dante (Danny) are in Egypt when Dante gets a message from Gabe. Gabe needs her help...now. Japh is not happy about giving up the demon hunt to help Gabe but agrees to do so. Dante begs Japh not to hunt down Eve while she is working on Gabe's case. As usual all hell (literally) breaks loose.

This book gave us back our tough, decisive,This is the fourth book in the Dante Valentine series by Lilith Saintcrow. I think it was back on par with the first book of the series, I really enjoyed it.

Japh and Dante (Danny) are in Egypt when Dante gets a message from Gabe. Gabe needs her help...now. Japh is not happy about giving up the demon hunt to help Gabe but agrees to do so. Dante begs Japh not to hunt down Eve while she is working on Gabe's case. As usual all hell (literally) breaks loose.

This book gave us back our tough, decisive, independent Danny from the first book. She spends much of her time independent of Japh and finally begins to learn something about her demon nature. I thought it was awesome that she gained power because of Japh gaining power. I really like Lucas as a character. Japh's underlings are all very interesting too. A lot happens in this book and it was fun to read.

Although, once again, this book leaves you right in the middle of things. It must have been torture for everyone to wait for the last book to be released. Luckily I already have it on hand and have started reading it.

This book seems to be even darker than the previous ones; but still a fast and fun read. I am looking forward to seeing how all of this gets wrapped up! ...more

Better than the previous book in the series in that there is not as much navel-gazing. There is still too much of it, and it is beginning to be frustrating.

I expect that a character should grow throughout a series but Dante Valentine is becoming neither stronger nor more sensitive.

I really don't think that it would hurt the plot for the two main characters to actually tell one another what's going on occasionally. Is it that much harder to write an exciting novel without so much angst?

I like tBetter than the previous book in the series in that there is not as much navel-gazing. There is still too much of it, and it is beginning to be frustrating.

I expect that a character should grow throughout a series but Dante Valentine is becoming neither stronger nor more sensitive.

I really don't think that it would hurt the plot for the two main characters to actually tell one another what's going on occasionally. Is it that much harder to write an exciting novel without so much angst?

I like the two newish characters that are getting more page time, Lucas and Leander.

Book 5, To Hell and Back, is sitting on my bookshelf. I think I'll let it sit for a short while before revisiting Saint City. I'm afraid that reading one more "I hate it when a demon shrugs" or "I'm still not used to my new-found speed/strength/whatever" will cause me to throw the book down in disgust. Valentine has had THREE books that span over three years story time to get used to shrugs and speed. Get over it or at least quit commenting on it. We get it, already.

Should you read this series? Absolutely. Just leave a couple of weeks or months between installments. Reading them back-to-back really enhances their flaws....more

Dante (Danny) Valentine, hedaira (human woman who has been given demon strength), psion, necromancer and bounty hunter returns to Saint City after her best friend Gabe contacts her and asks for her help.

Of course, she can't go anywhere without Tierce Japhrimel, Fallen, and Eldest attempting to strangle her, putting her to sleep against her will, or dragging her anywhere HE wants to go and then refusing to tell her what exactly he did to Dante when he injected his powers into her.

This series, toDante (Danny) Valentine, hedaira (human woman who has been given demon strength), psion, necromancer and bounty hunter returns to Saint City after her best friend Gabe contacts her and asks for her help.

Of course, she can't go anywhere without Tierce Japhrimel, Fallen, and Eldest attempting to strangle her, putting her to sleep against her will, or dragging her anywhere HE wants to go and then refusing to tell her what exactly he did to Dante when he injected his powers into her.

This series, to me, got off to an interesting start with both Working For The Devil and Dead Man Rising, setting a fast and furious pace as Dante fought her way through a brutal futuristic world, losing friends and lovers along the way.

Since then, we've had to put up with a whiney annoying Dante Valentine who has been dragged into hunting down demons who are trying to rebel against Lucifer. She was forced into being the Devils Right Hand in the last book and is chasing these demons all over the world. She was also given a contract that she is Lucifer's for 7 years.

Gone is Dante the hunter replaced by Dante the whiner as she whines and obsesses about her relationship with Japh. I was truly hoping that by this being the 4th book in the series, she would have gotten over her hissy fits and moved on, or joined Eve in the rebellion against Lucifer and told Japh to get bent.

I truly hate Tierce Japhrimel and have done so since the last book. It's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it. I also don't trust Lucas Villalobos or Leander. Japhrimel hides things from her, insisting that it's for her own protection.

Another complaint I have: How many times must we read about Dante's black demon enhanced nail polish, or her scar on her shoulder that links her to Japh or the fact that she has no clue what Hedaira is?

This time around, instead of obsessing over Japh and the way he treats her, we now have Dante feeling sorry for herself because she didn't stay in contact with Eddie and Gabe who both are shown the way out of the series by being killed off. We also find out that Eddie and Gabe now have a daughter, who Dante is now sworn to protect as well as raise now that they are dead. They were also married during the time that Dante was away from Saint City; her own choice.

Dante and Japh's so called relationship, goes up in flames as Dante takes sides with Eve and her rebellion against Lucifer. It's too bad there wasn't more Eve and Dante, rather than Japh. Eve is a much more interesing character. Also, in my opinion, and not just because Eve may or may not be Dante's part daughter.

One interesting part, Selena, the vampire consort to the master vampire, gives her a book that is supposed to tell her what exactly she is. Some say she is a human bride, or courtesan. Others call her a demonling.

Jace, remains in the storyline. He shows up in her dreams, or when she has been beaten down. He continually supports her and tells her that he is still with her. Can I say that I really miss Jace no matter what is supposingly did in the past?

Of course, we have a conclusion that raises eyebrows and therefore demands that you finish reading the series; To Hell and Back.

I have nothing but respect for Ms Saint Crow as a writer. Her world building is amazing and the characters like Dante and Jill Kismet, are pretty interesting as well as far from perfect that you can imagine. ...more

The fourth of the Dante Valentine series. Dante is a Necromance turned part-demon, and in this novel she is called home by her best friend to help solve a murder. This book was strange, like an episode (or season) of a TV series where they throw something different at you for a while, but you really just want to get back to the main story. Kind of frustrating. Like this whole series is, really.

I don't know why, but I just want to kick the main character's ass. She is so whiny and victim-like oneThe fourth of the Dante Valentine series. Dante is a Necromance turned part-demon, and in this novel she is called home by her best friend to help solve a murder. This book was strange, like an episode (or season) of a TV series where they throw something different at you for a while, but you really just want to get back to the main story. Kind of frustrating. Like this whole series is, really.

I don't know why, but I just want to kick the main character's ass. She is so whiny and victim-like one minute, and then completely uber-tough, wrong-minded and action-oriented the next. Her relationship with her demon mate, Japhrimel, has to be the most seriously frustrating relationship in the universe. It's like they don't speak the same language. And I guess they are different species (kind of), but I just want to lock them in a room together until they can figure out how to use small words with each other to communicate. Ugh. ...more

I really enjoyed this entire series! I read all of the books in less than a week. The one thing that keeps me from rating this 5 stars is the way the main character goes from a fantastic character that can accomplish most anything on her own to a helpless twit that can't even think without the help of others. Then, in the blink of an eye she's back to being able to think and act on her own again and back and forth. I mean everyone needs help and has to have the help of others but she goes from I really enjoyed this entire series! I read all of the books in less than a week. The one thing that keeps me from rating this 5 stars is the way the main character goes from a fantastic character that can accomplish most anything on her own to a helpless twit that can't even think without the help of others. Then, in the blink of an eye she's back to being able to think and act on her own again and back and forth. I mean everyone needs help and has to have the help of others but she goes from one extreme to the next and back again throughout the whole series. I wish the writer could have found a happy medium for Dante. But, nonetheless, after I catch up with my list of books that I want to read, I think that I'll read the other books that Lilith Saintcrow has written. If her other books are as good as this series was then she will definitely be added to my small list of favorite authors!...more

Told the story, part four in the series, began by repeating the last few pages of the previous novel and thus the plot was easy enough to pick up. I'm afraid I didn't find this to be the case but then that is no surprise when reading book one, Working For The Devil, felt like I'd joined the series midway through.

Taking into account that whilst I have read book one but not books two or three I shall be reviewing this on its own merits, as a novel in its own rights rather than as part of a series.Told the story, part four in the series, began by repeating the last few pages of the previous novel and thus the plot was easy enough to pick up. I'm afraid I didn't find this to be the case but then that is no surprise when reading book one, Working For The Devil, felt like I'd joined the series midway through.

Taking into account that whilst I have read book one but not books two or three I shall be reviewing this on its own merits, as a novel in its own rights rather than as part of a series.

Poorly written. I found the words randomly picked out in italics for seemingly no reason puzzling. The repetitiveness increasingly annoying. Yes, we know Dante was a necromancer with a gem stone in her cheek, molecule-drip nail polish and sparking rings. That Japhrimel was a demon, not human. And oh my goodness, 'The Mark'. Mentioned more times that I care to think of, why the need to keep telling us these things?

A novel perhaps more suited to those into world-building. Not that I found this aspect of story particularly exemplary but it certainly beat the woeful characterisations - Dante (so whiny a heroine as to be a pain in the ass rather than the proverbial 'kick ass' as is generally the case with this genre) and as for 'Japh'? Best described as contrary, an abusive boyfriend one minute, a shoulder to cry on the next. Far from making him a complex character all it did was make him appear, well, wishy-washy and inconsistent.

This book literally picks up where the last left off. I enjoyed this installment, like all its predecessors. It has good action, a fascinating setting, great tension, and a complex romance. I don't know what I can say about it, though, that I haven't already said of the previous books. Because Saint City Sinners picks up where The Devil's Right Hand leaves off, it has much of the same flavor. All that said, I did feel like there was a small lack of focus in the plot.

Dante is called back to SainThis book literally picks up where the last left off. I enjoyed this installment, like all its predecessors. It has good action, a fascinating setting, great tension, and a complex romance. I don't know what I can say about it, though, that I haven't already said of the previous books. Because Saint City Sinners picks up where The Devil's Right Hand leaves off, it has much of the same flavor. All that said, I did feel like there was a small lack of focus in the plot.

Dante is called back to Saint City when her best friend Gabe calls for her help. The investigation she hands over to Danny ends up taking a backseat half the time to the demonic power struggle from the previous book. I feel that Saintcrow managed to keep things from getting too unwieldy, but perhaps only just. Also, it took another review to remind me of this, but Dante certainly gets disagreeable in this book, even to the reader. For example: At one point, she holds her breath in a fit of pique. No, I'm not kidding. In The Devil's Right Hand, while her (at-times) petulant behavior could frustrate the reader, you could at least be somewhat sympathetic to her situation. That's less so, in this book. It didn't scare me off, though. Not at all.

In summary: Yes this is another great book, if you can forgive Dante slipping more into her yin versus her yang. I wish I could give half stars, though. While Saint City Sinners has a lot of the same flavor as The Devil's Right Hand, it doesn't quite have its tight focus and finesse. So in my head, this book rates more like a 4 1/2 stars instead of 5....more

This book was much more gripping than the third, but I was still annoyed by the relationship between the main character and her demon. They're supposed to have the most intimate relationship imaginable, but they can't trust each other.

Despite that, the plot is gripping and this is the best book since the first one. I really feel I have to go out and buy No. 5.

I really like these books despite their flaws. Good escapist/fantasy exploits.

Bloated with plot but somehow still utterly uninteresting, this was perhaps the most repetitive and thin book of the series so far. I was increasingly less engaged as the action progressed, and by the close of the novel, I felt both frustrated and cheated. Most of the promise of the series was frittered away in this volume.

NO! Why??? Why the death? I don't like this one as much. This went totally sideways for me. I'm so bummed I have to wait until the last book is written. I didn't want to end reading four books published in one weekend only to end on this terrible note. Gotta wait a few months.

This really frustrated me. Danny just seems to spend the whole book making stupid angry decisions, at times she seems to almost take pride in being totally oblivious. She complains that Japh never tells her anything but she doesn't really talk to him at all. Japh is also pretty horrible in this book as well.

I found the plot quite confusing swell- everyone has different agendas and is secretive so none of them know what the others are doing. Danny spends a lot of the time confused and so did I.

AlThis really frustrated me. Danny just seems to spend the whole book making stupid angry decisions, at times she seems to almost take pride in being totally oblivious. She complains that Japh never tells her anything but she doesn't really talk to him at all. Japh is also pretty horrible in this book as well.

I found the plot quite confusing swell- everyone has different agendas and is secretive so none of them know what the others are doing. Danny spends a lot of the time confused and so did I.

Also Danny complains about how all the demons except Eve manipulate her - newsflash Eve is manipulating you too! She asks nicely because that's the best way to get Dante to do exactly what she wants....more

Oh wow, I'm so glad I didn't abandon the serie since I wasn't a fan of the last book. This book was awesome! I loved seeing the badass Dante instead of the whiny lovestruck Dante I saw in the last book. This book had action and a heroine that made her own decisions instead of following Japh like a robot.Did I mention Japh!? I actually LIKED him in this book. I liked that we saw some different sides of him and that we actually got to know him a bit better. However I must admit I really fell in loOh wow, I'm so glad I didn't abandon the serie since I wasn't a fan of the last book. This book was awesome! I loved seeing the badass Dante instead of the whiny lovestruck Dante I saw in the last book. This book had action and a heroine that made her own decisions instead of following Japh like a robot.Did I mention Japh!? I actually LIKED him in this book. I liked that we saw some different sides of him and that we actually got to know him a bit better. However I must admit I really fell in love with Lucas in this book. I need to see more of him in the last book....more

Saint City Sinners is another great addition to the Dante Valentine saga, and Saintcrow delivers another action filled, suspenseful tale that keeps the reader anxiously turning the pages. The book picks up with things still tense between Dante and Japhrimel, but Danny has to put dealing with that on hold when she gets a call from Gabe asking for her help. Danny drops everything to return to Saint City only to discover that everything has changed and that her good friend, Eddie, has been murderedSaint City Sinners is another great addition to the Dante Valentine saga, and Saintcrow delivers another action filled, suspenseful tale that keeps the reader anxiously turning the pages. The book picks up with things still tense between Dante and Japhrimel, but Danny has to put dealing with that on hold when she gets a call from Gabe asking for her help. Danny drops everything to return to Saint City only to discover that everything has changed and that her good friend, Eddie, has been murdered. A murder investigation, running from the mob, having three factions of demons after you, and relationship troubles is just another day in the life of Dante Valentine. Saint City Sinners is action, adventure, mystery, and intrigue all rolled up into one as Dante tries to solve a murder, figure out what side she is on in the upcoming demon war, and tries to figure out who to trust. Overall Saint City Sinners was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it. I am looking forward to reading Dante's fifth adventure....more

Saintcrow continues with her consistently exciting tales of Dante Valentine with "Saint City Sinners" - the 4th in the 5 book series.

In this book Dante learns more about her demonic side, but is still frustratingly in the dark about a lot of things. Saintcrow won't give up her secrets easily! Dante is in constant turmoil, unable to trust even the people she loves the most, as she discovers secrets about her human friends Eddie and Gabe that have far reaching consequences.

I must admit that I am sSaintcrow continues with her consistently exciting tales of Dante Valentine with "Saint City Sinners" - the 4th in the 5 book series.

In this book Dante learns more about her demonic side, but is still frustratingly in the dark about a lot of things. Saintcrow won't give up her secrets easily! Dante is in constant turmoil, unable to trust even the people she loves the most, as she discovers secrets about her human friends Eddie and Gabe that have far reaching consequences.

I must admit that I am starting to get a little annoyed by Saintcrows slightly repetitive style. Dante is like a dog with a bone, she seems to have one main idea per book, and the reader has to hear about it in every chapter. Predictably the 'Japh tells me nothing' tune is one that's played a lot here.

What I do really appreciate about this series though is that it is keeping me on my toes. You really don't know what to expect next from Lilith, and that, along with the fast paced action plot makes for a thrilling ride.

Perhaps it’s because I rushed through some of the previous books is why I couldn’t appreciate them as much. Saint City Sinners is the Dante Valentine novel I’ve come to appreciate the most. Like many of the other novels, it centers on Dante investigating a new case. This one, however, hits closer to home for her. Her two friends, Eddie and Gabe, have both been brutally murdered by the hands of an unknown assailant. Dante swears revenge on the kilSo far, my favorite of the Dante Valentine series.

Perhaps it’s because I rushed through some of the previous books is why I couldn’t appreciate them as much. Saint City Sinners is the Dante Valentine novel I’ve come to appreciate the most. Like many of the other novels, it centers on Dante investigating a new case. This one, however, hits closer to home for her. Her two friends, Eddie and Gabe, have both been brutally murdered by the hands of an unknown assailant. Dante swears revenge on the killer.

The storyline isn’t 100% dedicated to Dante hunting down this killer. I’ve come to realize that the author does tend to stray from the main story a lot. Then again, it does give the story much-needed depth and allows the reader to see different character interactions and whatnot. While I do wish the main story had been developed and focuses a lot more, the story does have a way of staying fresh and interesting throughout. It doesn’t suddenly resolve its problem at the end, but does find a good balance between the main murder mystery and all of the side plots. It does cover a lot of ground including the little details as to how her sword was able to hurt Lucifer.

Somehow, I was able to fully appreciate the drama here. Dante has her usual disputes with Japh who seems to be acting quite out of the ordinary here. She also laments about how so many of her closest friends have died. (There is quite a bit of them.) However, the drama feels sincere and real. Despite her outer tough-chick persona, Dante’s quite emotional on the inside. While she does tend to complain too much for some people’s liking, the emotional tension does keep the story’s excitement afloat.

The story has quite a number of excellent cliffhangers and a lot of foreshadowing. Near the end of the book there are two major cliffhangers that beg for the next book to be started. I won’t try and spoil them, but Eve does make her much awaited reappearance and what Dante is looking for is not what she expects. The cliffhangers have always been strong throughout the series, but knowing that there is only one book left, I must admit that I was too suckered into wanting to find out what happens next.

I couldn’t think of much to say for this review, aside from keep up the good work Saintcrow!...more

This book was good, and unlike the previous books in the series the beginning wasn't that slow. This book had me hooked! I was glad the book went back to Saint City, even though the reason to be back wasn't good. The mood in this was very depressing at times, and it really made me want to cry for her. In the book Dante keeps thinking that all of her friends are dead, but by the end of this one I am pretty convinced otherwise. There really wasn't much of Japhrimel in this book, he was there in t This book was good, and unlike the previous books in the series the beginning wasn't that slow. This book had me hooked! I was glad the book went back to Saint City, even though the reason to be back wasn't good. The mood in this was very depressing at times, and it really made me want to cry for her. In the book Dante keeps thinking that all of her friends are dead, but by the end of this one I am pretty convinced otherwise. There really wasn't much of Japhrimel in this book, he was there in the beginning but after that not so much, and I was surprised to find that I was missing him. I also loved seeing all the familiar faces of old friends that she had and left in Saint City, and that they helped her with whatever she needed improved the depressing mood, making it a little better. The mystery of who did it in this book really had me guessing, and I am honestly surprised at who it ended up being. This was a really good book, the ending was a cliff-hanger that guarantees that I will definetely be reading the next book! ...more

I really couldn't finish. Why, you ask? Well. It's a build up. I was becoming more and more frustrated from book to book and finally decided to stop it. How much am I obligated to let pass just because I like the overall story arch? Or because I'm curious to know the end? A lot apparently...like Japh being an abusive control freak and Dante a whining idiot who let's him get away with it, for example. Then again, she is annoyingly stubborn, difficult and even dumb. I would put a collar on her, keI really couldn't finish. Why, you ask? Well. It's a build up. I was becoming more and more frustrated from book to book and finally decided to stop it. How much am I obligated to let pass just because I like the overall story arch? Or because I'm curious to know the end? A lot apparently...like Japh being an abusive control freak and Dante a whining idiot who let's him get away with it, for example. Then again, she is annoyingly stubborn, difficult and even dumb. I would put a collar on her, keep a 24 hour watch just on the safe side and yet I'm pretty sure she would still be able to find trouble so I guess I understand where he's coming from. Not an excuse though. Same for her. They are supposed to be adults and should behave like it, that's for darn sure!

So, yes. I had a bit of a morbid fascination with this series. I like books with Lucifer (even when he's the bad guy) and tend to overlook a lot just to keep reading about him. Unfortunately (or fortunately really) I got tired of giving this series more opportunities to get back on its feet and really and truly gave up. I will not return to this unless under threats of bodily harm (maybe not even then)....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.My impression towards the beginning of the book:

Sucks to be Dante. Everyone she loves dies and she's stuck with an abusive boyfriend who's a demon. Talk about no win situation.

At the end, well the book got a bit better, but mostly because Dante and Japh were separated for most of the book. Japh was intriguing in the first book, dearly missed in the second, overly controlling in the third, and outright abusive in this, the fourth. Any appeal he's had has pretty much vanished. There is alpha malMy impression towards the beginning of the book:

Sucks to be Dante. Everyone she loves dies and she's stuck with an abusive boyfriend who's a demon. Talk about no win situation.

At the end, well the book got a bit better, but mostly because Dante and Japh were separated for most of the book. Japh was intriguing in the first book, dearly missed in the second, overly controlling in the third, and outright abusive in this, the fourth. Any appeal he's had has pretty much vanished. There is alpha male, then there is call the police for a restraining order.

Dante, on the other hand, I kinda like, but don't quite understand. Since this is first person, the disconnect makes things a bit awkward.

This one felt like it ended on a cliffy. She solved the murder case, but still has to deal with the Devil, Eve, and Japh. It doesn't feel like that is a background thread. If I wasn't reading the omnibus edition, the time between books would annoy me, assuming I would even had continued the series had I not already had the full 5 books in one....more

Lillith Saintcrow scores again with this 4th episode in the Dante Valentine series. Dealing with issues of truth, loyalty and honor, Dante spirals down a path that seems to have no resolution. As she moves farther and farther from her ties with the "humans", she must face the issue of what constitutes the truth to a demon, and what value it has in her new life as the mate of the fallen demon, Japhrimel.

Dante returns to Saint City to extract vengeance, something she equates with her honor, and fLillith Saintcrow scores again with this 4th episode in the Dante Valentine series. Dealing with issues of truth, loyalty and honor, Dante spirals down a path that seems to have no resolution. As she moves farther and farther from her ties with the "humans", she must face the issue of what constitutes the truth to a demon, and what value it has in her new life as the mate of the fallen demon, Japhrimel.

Dante returns to Saint City to extract vengeance, something she equates with her honor, and finds herself a pawn in more than one game. She begins to feel betrayed by the demon in her life, as well as by her god and must deal with the question of just how "human" she is anymore. The reader watches as she makes and breaks promises, spiralling down to despair in a frantic attempt to maintain her honor and her sanity.

The characters in this fourth book become more complex and interesting, there is plenty of action and the reader is left waiting for more.

I can't wait to read the next in the series "To Hell and Back"....more

Lilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as an Air Force brat, and fell in love with writing when she was ten years old. She lives in Vancouver, Washington, in a house full of stray cats and children.